RE: Re: Digest Number 140

Thank you Ron.

One of the other issues I am trying to improve upon for added rigidity on an
inexpensive machine is the method of gib adjustment. Most larger machine
tools with dovetails have tapered gibs that are wedged into place to take up
slack, but always maintain broad face to face contact with the dovetails.
Many smaller, less expensive machines just have 2, 3, or 4 setscrews pushing
straight in against the gib, which is does not seem to be as stiff
(theoretically). I would think the set screws would start pushing dents
into the gib, and the gibs would show wear primarily near these areas. Any
thoughts on this out there?

>
> From: Ron Ginger <ginger@...>
>
> >The main problem I have with Sherline and MaxNC is (I believe) that the
> >sliding parts are anodized aluminum against anodized aluminum.
> If this is
> >true, wear will be much greater than with low-friction polymer
> cast onto one
> >of the surfaces, especially for the speeds and loads I hope to see on my
> >machine.
>
> This is not competely correct- the gib in a Sherline is a high density
> plastic of some kind- black and very slippery. But the other side of the
> dovetial is aluminum.
>
> ron
>